COPD
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Morbid obesity may influence several aspects of airway function. However, the effect of morbid obesity on expiratory tracheal collapse in COPD patients is unknown. We thus prospectively studied 100 COPD patients who underwent full pulmonary function tests (PFTs), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and low-dose CT at total lung capacity and during dynamic exhalation with spirometric monitoring. ⋯ In contrast, there was no significant difference in collapse between healthy volunteers with BMI ≥ 35 and < 35. COPD patients with BMI ≥ 35 also demonstrated shorter 6MWT distances (340 ± 139 m vs. 430 ± 139 m, p = 0.003) and higher (worse) total SGRQ scores (48 ± 19 vs. 36 ± 20, p = 0.013) compared to those with BMI < 35. In light of these results, clinicians should consider evaluating for excessive expiratory tracheal collapse when confronted with a morbidly obese COPD patient with greater quality of life impairment and worse exercise performance than expected based on functional measures.
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An association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and low body mass index (BMI) has been well established in cross-sectional studies. However, there have been few cohort studies investigating this issue. We therefore aimed to address this gap. ⋯ Low BMI was not only a systemic consequence of COPD but also an important risk factor for the development of COPD, which raises the possibility that early intervention in subjects with low BMI may reduce the incidence of COPD.
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International guidelines recommend that when changing FIO2 in patients with COPD receiving Long-Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT), 30 minutes should be waited for steady state before measurement of arterial blood gasses. This study evaluates whether 30 minutes is really necessary, as a smaller duration might improve the logistics of care, potentially reducing the time spent by patients at the out-patient clinic. ⋯ This study shows that oxygen equilibration relevant for clinical interpretation requires only 10 minutes following an increase and 16 minutes following a decrease in FIO2. over the range studied.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Efficacy and safety of aclidinium bromide compared with placebo and tiotropium in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results from a 6-week, randomized, controlled Phase IIIb study.
This randomized, double-blind, Phase IIIb study evaluated the 24-hour bronchodilatory efficacy of aclidinium bromide versus placebo and tiotropium in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Aclidinium provided significant 24-hour bronchodilation versus placebo from day 1 with comparable efficacy to tiotropium after 6 weeks. Improvements in COPD symptoms were consistently numerically greater with aclidinium versus tiotropium. Aclidinium was generally well tolerated.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on the major dimensions of dyspnea in COPD.
The evaluation of dyspnea and its responsiveness to therapy in COPD should consider the multidimensional nature of this symptom in each of its sensory-perceptual (intensity, quality), affective and impact domains. To gain new insights into mechanisms of dyspnea relief following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), we examined effects on the major domains of dyspnea and their interaction with physiological training effects. This randomized, controlled study was conducted in 48 subjects with COPD. ⋯ There were no significant between-group differences in pre- to post-intervention changes in pulmonary function or physiological parameters during exercise. After PR versus CTRL, significant improvements were found in the affective and impact domains but not in the sensory-perceptual domain of dyspnea. In conclusion, clinically meaningful improvements in the affective and impact domains of dyspnea occurred in response to PR in the absence of consistent physiological training effects.